Boro have registered two wins and a defeat since their return to football following the break for the World Cup in Qatar. A comprehensive 4-1 victory on Boxing Day against Wigan Athletic moved Boro into the top-half of the table and right into the conversation for a playoff place.
An first-half strike from Marcus Forss and a hat-trick from Chuba Akpom helped Boro to their festive win over the Latics – but where does that stand them ahead of a pivotal second-half of the season?
Here, we take a look at the latest supercomputer predictions, courtesy of FiveThirtyEight, to see where Middlesbrough have been predicted to finish the 2022/23 season.
Do any of these surprise you? Where do you think Boro will finish the season? Follow us on our social media channels and let us know your thoughts there:
. HULL, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 01: Michael Carrick (L), Manager of Middlesbrough looks on with Assistant, Jonathan Woodgate during the Sky Bet Championship match between Hull City and Middlesbrough at MKM Stadium on November 01, 2022 in Hull, England. (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images)
This is where Middlesbrough have been predicted to finish in the Championship this season (Photo by George Wood/Getty Images) Photo: George Wood
. Burnley
Predicted finish: 1st - Predicted points: 88 (+36 GD) - Chances of winning the Championship: 52% - Chances of being promoted: 82% - Chances of making the playoffs: 19% Photo: Nathan Stirk
. Sheffield United
Predicted finish: 2nd - Predicted points: 85 (+32 GD) - Chances of winning the Championship: 37% - Chances of being promoted: 74% - Chances of making the playoffs: 26% Photo: Morgan Harlow
. Watford
Predicted finish: 3rd - Predicted points: 71 (+11 GD) - Chances of winning the Championship: 2% - Chances of being promoted: 18% - Chances of making the playoffs: 39% Photo: Paul Harding
. Millwall
Predicted finish: 4th - Predicted points: 71 (+10 GD) - Chances of winning the Championship: 3% - Chances of being promoted: 21% - Chances of making the playoffs: 40% Photo: Warren Little
. Norwich City
Predicted finish: 5th - Predicted points: 70 (+11 GD) - Chances of winning the Championship: 2% - Chances of being promoted: 17% - Chances of making the playoffs: 36% Photo: Nathan Stirk
. Middlesbrough
Predicted finish: 6th - Predicted points: 69 (+13 GD) - Chances of winning the Championship: 1% - Chances of being promoted: 16% - Chances of making the playoffs: 34% Photo: Nigel Roddis
. West Brom
Predicted finish: 7th - Predicted points: 68 (+13 GD) - Chances of winning the Championship: 1% - Chances of being promoted: 15% - Chances of making the playoffs: 32% Photo: Morgan Harlow
. Coventry City
Predicted finish: 8th - Predicted points: 66 (+4 GD) - Chances of being promoted: 9% - Chances of making the playoffs: 25% - Chances of relegation: 2% Photo: Catherine Ivill
. Luton Town
Predicted finish: 9th - Predicted points: 66 (+4 GD) - Chances of being promoted: 10% - Chances of making the playoffs: 25% - Chances of relegation: 2% Photo: Andrew Redington
1. Burnley
Predicted finish: 1st - Predicted points: 88 (+36 GD) - Chances of winning the Championship: 52% - Chances of being promoted: 82% - Chances of making the playoffs: 19% Photo: Nathan Stirk
2. Sheffield United
Predicted finish: 2nd - Predicted points: 85 (+32 GD) - Chances of winning the Championship: 37% - Chances of being promoted: 74% - Chances of making the playoffs: 26% Photo: Morgan Harlow
3. Watford
Predicted finish: 3rd - Predicted points: 71 (+11 GD) - Chances of winning the Championship: 2% - Chances of being promoted: 18% - Chances of making the playoffs: 39% Photo: Paul Harding
4. Millwall
Predicted finish: 4th - Predicted points: 71 (+10 GD) - Chances of winning the Championship: 3% - Chances of being promoted: 21% - Chances of making the playoffs: 40% Photo: Warren Little